| |
|
NBA -- Kobe goes out with a bang, scores sweet 60
By Anthony Rozic
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 15 Apr 2016
LOS ANGELES -- After 20 years in the NBA, his body aching and his once mighty skills declining, Kobe Bryant announced last November that this season would be his last.
But in his final game on Wednesday night at Staples Center, before a sold-out crowd paid an average of $700 for their seats, Kobe summoned his greatness one last time, ending his fabulous career with a 60-point performance that dazzled the Lakers faithful and the rest of the world.
Kobe, an 18-time All-Star who hung five championship banners during his remarkable reign as the face of the franchise, swished 22 of 50 field goals, 6-of-21 threes and 10 of 12 free throws. Bryant poured 23 points in a fourth quarter rampage that lifted the Lakers past the Utah Jazz, 101-96.
"I'ts hard to believe it happened this way. I'm still shocked about this," Bryant told reporters after the finale. He also addressed the fans who packed the Staples Center to bade him farewell.
"I think the most important part is that we all stayed together throughout. You'll always be in my heart and I sincerely, sincerely appreciate it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys," Bryant said.
Among the celebrities who witnessed "Mamba Day" included Jack Nicholson, Leonard DeCaprio, Jay Z, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Adam Levine and David Beckham. Magic Johnson started the tribute with a video montage that saw several of the NBA's biggest stars --- LeBron James, Stephen Curry, etc --- wishing Bryant well.
Bryant's fond farewell was easily the highlight of another disappointing season the Lakers finished with a poor 17-65 record and will miss the playoffs for the third year in a row, a franchise record.
The Jazz, who got 18 points from Trey Lyes 17 points from Gordon Hayward, will also miss the postseason with a 40-42. slate.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Anthony Rozic.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Nuñez vs Navarrete: Knuckle Up for a Certified Banger
By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026‘There's no way I'm going to lose’ -- Holly McMath looks to make a statement in high-stakes trilogy fight
, Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND FINAL WORDS FOR NAVARRETE VS. NUNEZ
, Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS: PIERCE VS. PARRA
, Sat, 28 Feb 2026Former US President Obama will donate Ali gloves to his presidential library
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Fri, 27 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
, Thu, 26 Feb 2026Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026“It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026Date set for Manny-Money 2
By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
, Wed, 25 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
